Fashion of Goodwill

I can't believe I finally watched Macklemore's music video for "Thrift Shop" for the first time the past weekend.  I had listened to the song many times, but the video is absolutely hilarious.  I read an IBTimes Magazine report that despite the popularity of the song (the first independent track in nearly 20 years to top the Billboard 100) sales at Goodwill have not significantly increased.

Why not?  Luxury consignment is thriving online and in stores.  Many of the items IN those stores are picked by savvy buyers straight from Goodwill and the Salvation Army.  People are willing to go to great lengths to buy "green", yet thrift stores are as green as you get.

Lest you forget, the Salvation Army and Goodwill started as organizations that help people.  Selling donated goods are only one of their ways to raise funds for the many job training programs they provide.  I spoke to Bjorn Nasett a few seasons ago during NY Fashion Week, an ambassador of sorts for Goodwill's fashion projects.  He informed me that high end designer brands often donate full collections of unused clothes, and that Goodwill produces full fashion shows.  They are social media savvy with fashion blogs, Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter accounts showcasing curated style.

Many designers have realized that there is a hunger for styles in their archives.  Many have put out clothes from past seasons back for sale at considerable cost.  For budget and elite shoppers, a thrift store might accomplish both!

What is your best thrift shop find?

Macklemore image from imgfave.com

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Hello La Mode Preview Party

NYC's top fashion bloggers and designers gathered at 28 on 27 Tuesday to celebrate the pre-launch of a new online luxury resale site, HelloLaMode.com. 

I was intrigued by the concept of a digital marketplace that focuses purely on luxury, designer fashion goods.  I love that it takes the guess work out and risk out of buying consignment goods online by personally certifying each item that is sold for authenticity and condition.  When the company offered me a job as their marketing director, I was honored and said yes!

The party Tuesday brought out my favorite bloggers Jinna, Christine Tsang, Stephanie Unter, John Simon among others.  My design peeps from over the years came from companies like Carmen Marc Valvo, Diand von Furstenburg, Marc Jacobs and Calvin Klein.  

As the event planner for this little soiree, I had the privilege of serving up French favorites like sparkling wine, macarons and madeleines from Financier Patisserie.    

Fashion illustrator Jennifer Lilya, (part of the upcoming NY Fashion week exhibit) was on hand to sketch the guests in their chic poses.  For those who needed a quick fix, a spontaneous photo booth was also set up for fun.

This site really speaks to me since I have accumulated TONS of designer items over the years from being in the industry. Some were impulse purchases, some were just cool, but never found an occasion to wear it.  I have too many pairs of shoes I have never worn because I realized they weren't comfortable on my wide feet.  Some pieces were samples from my job or friend's jobs.     

With Hello La Mode, I can list of all of these for sale (then buy new stuff!)   For those who realize they are more attached to their pieces than they thought, you can always change your mind up until the actual sale takes place.  When a purchase is requested, the site will send out a free shipping label for you to send the item to the head office to be certified before it is sent out.  

If you are a buyer, your funds are held in escrow until your purchase checks out for both authenticity and item condition. 

All right, you know you have tons of neglected pretty things in your closet.  Isn't it time to purge and renew?  Check out the VIP beta version of the site at HelloLaMode.com   (Use password FASHION to enter).  

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